Determinants of Domestic Physical Violence Against Women in Turkey

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This study aims to determine the factors affecting the exposure of women in Turkey 15 years of age and older to physical violence by their husband/intimate partner.
 Methodology: In this study, the micro-data set of the "Research on Domestic Violence against Women in Turkey" conducted by Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies in 2008 and 2014 was used. In this data set, the data of 18518 women aged 15 and over were used, 11722 in 2008 and 6796 in 2014. Factors affecting women's physical violence were determined using binary logistic and probit regression analysis. This study focuses on the physical violence of the husband/partner, which is the most common type of domestic violence against women.
 Main Findings: The variables of survey year, region, education level, individual income, marital status, health status, the number of children, and being exposed to violence from first degree relatives are seen to be significant. According to the results obtained, the expected probability of exposure to physical violence women who were subjected to economic, verbal, and sexual violence by their husbands/intimate partners was more than 39.8%, 127.35%, and 83.68%, respectively.
 Applications of this study: The study outcome indicate that important steps to reduce domestic physical violence against women in Turkey should be taken. In order to prevent new cases of abuse, coordinated efforts to raise awareness of the problem of domestic physical violence against women will encourage action.
 Novelty/Originality of this study: In this study, factors affecting the exposure of women in Turkey, 15 years old and older, to physical violence by their husband/intimate partner were identified. In the study, the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of women and to what extent the various risk factors related to husband/intimate partners were critical for the women's exposure to physical violence.

Comparison of associated factors of domestic violence against women by their husbands based on demographic characteristics and life skills in Iran

“…This finding is consistent with the results of other studies in India, Turkey, Peru, Spain, and Iran, as the education level of women decreased, the rate of exposure to violence increased by their husbands or intimate partners. [ 1 6 12 15 18 ] These results suggest that education is a protective factor for women that contributes to safety against domestic violence. The high education level of women improves their skills, employability, and socio-economic status and consequently reduces the risk of violence.…”

“…[ 3 4 ] The most common violence against women is violence perpetrated by a husband or male intimate partner, which is referred to as domestic violence. [ 5 6 ]…”

“…[ 15 ] A study in Turkey found that education level, personal income, marital status, health status, and the number of children were significantly related to domestic physical violence. [ 6 ] In studies conducted, only demographic characteristics have been studied and couples’ life skills have not been considered in predicting violence against women.…”

The relationship between municipal trainees' attitudes toward violence against women and their gender perceptions

“…There are various types of violence against women, including physical, verbal, psychological, economic, and sexual (Adjah & Agbemafle, 2016; Alsaleh, 2020; Çalışkan & Çevik, 2018; Oram et al, 2017). These types of violence against women are extremely common in all cultures and all over the world, regardless of the level of development, geographical border, and education level (Çalışkan & Çevik, 2018; Dursun, 2020; Genç et al, 2019).…”

“…There are various types of violence against women, including physical, verbal, psychological, economic, and sexual (Adjah & Agbemafle, 2016; Alsaleh, 2020; Çalışkan & Çevik, 2018; Oram et al, 2017). These types of violence against women are extremely common in all cultures and all over the world, regardless of the level of development, geographical border, and education level (Çalışkan & Çevik, 2018; Dursun, 2020; Genç et al, 2019). According to the 2013 report of the World Health Organization (WHO) on violence against women, 13%–61% of women between the ages of 15–49 are exposed to physical violence by their husbands at least once in their lives; this rate is around 23% in high‐income countries, 37.7% in Southeast Asia, 37% in the eastern Mediterranean, 36.6% in Africa, 29.8% in the United States, 25.4% in Europe, 24.6% in the West Pacific, 19.3% in high‐income countries of Western Europe, and 27% in central and eastern Europe (World Health Organization, 2013).…”